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We study the statistical descriptors for some cosmological inflationary models that allow us to get large levels of non-gaussianity and violations of statistical isotropy. Basically, we study two different class of models: a model that include only scalar field perturbations, specifically a subclass of small-field slow-roll models of inflation with canonical kinetic terms, and models that admit both vector and scalar field perturbations. We study the former to show that it is possible to attain very high, including observable, values for the levels of non-gaussianity f_{NL} and \tao_{NL} in the bispectrum B_\zeta and trispectrum T_\zeta of the primordial curvature perturbation \zeta respectively. Such a result is obtained by taking care of loop corrections in the spectrum P_\zeta, the bispectrum B_\zeta and the trispectrum T_\zeta . Sizeable values for f_{NL} and \tao_{NL} arise even if \zeta is generated during inflation. For the latter we study the spectrum P_\zeta, bispectrum B_\zeta and trispectrum $T_\zeta of the primordial curvature perturbation when \zeta is generated by scalar and vector field perturbations. The tree-level and one-loop contributions from vector field perturbations are worked out considering the possibility that the one-loop contributions may be dominant over the tree level terms. The levels of non-gaussianity f_{NL} and \tao_{NL}, are calculated and related to the level of statistical anisotropy in the power spectrum, g_\zeta . For very small amounts of statistical anisotropy in the power spectrum, the levels of non-gaussianity may be very high, in some cases exceeding the current observational limit., Comment: Latex file, 113 pages. PhD Thesis. Supervisor: Yeinzon Rodriguez.

The perturbation of a light field might affect preheating and hence generate a contribution to the spectrum and non-gaussianity of the curvature perturbation \zeta. The field might appear directly in the preheating model (curvaton-type preheating) or indirectly through its effect on a mass or coupling (modulated preheating). We give general expressions for \zeta based on the \delta N formula, and apply them to the cases of quadratic and quartic chaotic inflation. For the quadratic case, curvaton-type preheating is ineffective in contributing to \zeta, but modulated preheating can be effective. For quartic inflation, curvaton-type preheating may be effective but the usual \delta N formalism has to be modified. We see under what circumstances the recent numerical simulation of Bond et al. [0903.3407] may be enough to provide a rough estimate for this case. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Lev Kofman who died on 12th November 2009, Comment: The discussion around Eqs. (100) and (101) corrected and clarified (v4), Added new insights into (i) the status of the box size upon which loop contributions depend and (ii) the relevance for massless preheating of the numerical simulation of Bond et al. (v3) This paper is dedicated to the memory of Lev Kofman who died on 12th November 2009

We calculate the trispectrum T_��of the primordial curvature perturbation ��, generated during a {\it slow-roll} inflationary epoch by considering a two-field quadratic model of inflation with {\it canonical} kinetic terms. We consider loop contributions as well as tree level terms, and show that it is possible to attain very high, {\it including observable}, values for the level of non-gaussianity ��_{NL} if T_��is dominated by the one-loop contribution. Special attention is paid to the claim in JCAP {\bf 0902}, 017 (2009) [arXiv:0812.0807 [astro-ph]] that, in the model studied in this paper and for the specific inflationary trajectory we choose, the quantum fluctuations of the fields overwhelm the classical evolution. We argue that such a claim actually does not apply to our model, although more research is needed in order to understand the role of quantum diffusion. We also consider the probability that an observer in an ensemble of realizations of the density field sees a non-gaussian distribution. In that respect, we show that the probability associated to the chosen inflationary trajectory is non-negligible. Finally, the levels of non-gaussianity f_{NL} and ��_{NL} in the bispectrum B_��and trispectrum T_��of ��, respectively, are also studied for the case in which ��is not generated during inflation., LaTex File, 27 pages, 8 figures. v2: Previous Section 2 has been removed. Two new sections (3 and 4) discussing the classicality condition given by Byrnes, Choi, and Hall, in JCAP 0902, 017 (2009), and the probability that an observer sees a non-gaussian distribution have been added. v3: Version accepted for publication in Physical Review D